Cool Places to Visit in Europe: Hidden Gems, Iconic places, and Unique Experiences

Summer in Europe is one of travel’s greatest pleasures, but it often comes with one unavoidable challenge: the heat. From the crowded streets of Rome and Venice and the busy cities of Spain, temperatures soar and travellers sometimes wilt.

But Europe also has places where the summer sun is kinder, where breezes from the ocean or the altitude of the mountains take the edge off, and where you can enjoy long days outdoors without feeling baked.

Some of these cool-weather escapes are obvious—Scandinavia, Iceland, the far north—but others might surprise you. Here are some of my favourite cool places to visit in Europe: hidden gems, iconic places, and unique experiences. Journeys across Europe that keep you moving, immersed in culture, nature, and history, all while staying comfortable when the mercury rises.

Northern escapes: Fjords, islands and Arctic light

Few places capture the magic of a cool European summer better than Norway. High cliffs drop a kilometre into the fjords, glaciers gleam on the horizon, and waterfalls crash down green valleys. Hiking in Jotunheim National Park or cruising along the Geirangerfjord brings the kind of bracing air you long for when southern Europe is sweltering. A trip from Oslo through Bergen and up the coast by ferry to the Lofoten Islands and North Cape is an epic way to feel the drama of the north. Even in July you may need a jacket on deck, especially when crossing the Arctic Circle.

Meanwhile, Iceland has become famous for its raw, restless landscapes, and with good reason. The hiking here is out of this world: colourful rhyolite mountains, glaciers spilling into valleys, waterfalls thundering into deep gorges. On the Laugavegur Trail you walk through scenery that feels more like another planet than anywhere on Earth. Hot springs invite a soak after a long day, and the never-ending daylight of summer keeps the chill at bay while still avoiding oppressive heat.

For something even wilder, Greenland offers one of the most refreshing summer journeys imaginable. Following the route of Erik the Red from Iceland to Greenland, I sailed past glaciers that calve into still fjords, fertile valleys where Norse ruins sit among meadows, and coastal waters alive with whales and seals. The cool air here is bracing and invigorating, perfect for hiking or zodiac cruising. It’s a far cry from the crowded beaches of the Mediterranean, and a reminder that summer travel can be about crisp air as much as warm sunshine.

Then there are the Faroe Islands, a little-known archipelago halfway between Iceland and Norway I had the pleasure to visit recently. Here, puffins nest on towering cliffs, villages cling to fjord edges, and turf-roofed houses sit against landscapes straight out of a saga. Hiking across Mykines or up to Lake Sørvagsvatn, which seems to float above the ocean, is unlike anything you’ll experience elsewhere in Europe. Misty air, sudden bursts of sunshine, and the cries of seabirds all make it a truly cool-weather summer destination.

Cool Summer Holidays in the Alps and Central Europe

If the north is too far for your summer travels, Europe’s mountains offer another way to stay cool. The Alps stretch across several countries, and no matter where you hike them, the combination of altitude, fresh breezes, and snowy peaks makes for an ideal summer escape.

Italy’s Gran Paradiso National Park, tucked into the Aosta Valley, is one of my favourites. It’s the country’s oldest park and home to ibex and chamois. You hike through meadows bursting with wildflowers, past turquoise lakes and over high passes, all the while looking out to Mont Blanc and even Matterhorn. Nights spent in mountain refuges only add to the sense of wilderness.

Further east, the Polish and Slovakian Tatras surprise many with their alpine beauty. These Carpathian peaks rise dramatically from forested valleys, and hikes here take you across meadows, through gorges and along ridges with panoramic views. One day you might find yourself walking the Pieniny Way beside the Dunajec River, the next ascending Kozi Wierch for spectacular vistas. Even in midsummer, cool breezes rush through the mountains and make hiking a delight.

In Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland, trails beneath the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau lead through glacial valleys and meadows filled with flowers. Based in Kandersteg, you can take cable cars up to the heights, then wander along balcony paths with views that seem to go on forever. The air here always feels fresh, even when the valleys below are warm.

And if you want the ultimate alpine adventure, the Mont Blanc Circuit or the Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt provide some of Europe’s most breathtaking trekking. These classic long-distance trails carry you through meadows, villages, and high passes, with the bonus of cool nights and crisp mornings to counter the exertion. Following balcony paths with views of Mont Blanc or catching sight of the Matterhorn in the distance makes every step worthwhile.

UK and Ireland Summer Getaways: Trails, Castles and Coastal Walks

Even though southern England had a hot summer in 2025, there are many places in the UK and Ireland where you can escape the heat.

Ireland is a classic. The Kerry Way leads you off the tourist circuit into moors, mountain passes, and forgotten villages, while the Ring of Kerry’s sea views remind you that the Atlantic is never far away. Even in July and August, Irish weather stays moderate, making for perfect hiking. A longer journey along the Wild Atlantic Way brings in the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands, and the walled city of Derry, all under skies that shift dramatically but never feel stifling.

In Scotland, hiking around Fort William or along the West Highland Way gives you sweeping views across glens and lochs. Climbing Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak, is always a cool challenge, and a ride on the Glenfinnan Viaduct makes you feel part of a Highland tale. Add in a trip to the Isle of Skye with its rugged beauty, and you’ve got a summer trip that’s anything but hot and crowded.

Cool Coasts and Island Breezes in Southern Europe

Summer in southern Europe doesn’t always mean oppressive heat—if you know where to go. Islands and coasts, with their breezes and waters, often provide relief.

Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast balances warmth with the cool relief of the sea. Cruising here on a small boat takes you to islands like Korčula, hidden coves, and even inland waterfalls at Krka National Park. With time to swim and sea breezes always in play, it’s a summer escape that combines sun with comfort.

Even further south, you’ll find surprising pockets of cool. Madeira and the Azores, far out in the Atlantic, have mild summers despite their subtropical setting. Hiking along Madeira’s levadas takes you deep into lush interiors of forest and waterfall, while in the Azores you’ll discover crater lakes, thermal springs, and whale-rich seas. The islands’ remoteness and constant breezes keep them comfortable while the rest of Europe sweats.

And then there are the Greek islands. While Athens can sizzle in July, cruising the Cyclades on a small ship lets you slip into quiet harbours, swim at secluded beaches, and stroll through villages where the evenings are cooled by the Aegean. Visiting lesser-known islands like Amorgos or Folegandros adds a sense of discovery, while sea air keeps the experience fresh.

Baltic States and Northern Cities: Culture with a Cool Breeze

For those who want a mix of culture and coolness, the Baltic States—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—are ideal. Their summers are warm but rarely hot, their forests and coasts provide natural escapes, and their capitals—Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius—are charming without being overrun. Cycling or touring here, you’ll find crusader castles, dunes on the Curonian Spit, and even Soviet relics. It’s a fascinating region that still feels like a bit of a secret.

And don’t forget Scandinavia’s cities. Oslo, Stockholm, and Helsinki are vibrant in summer yet always feel breathable. A trip weaving together Norway’s fjords, Sweden’s lakeside villages, and Finland’s quirky design and market culture gives you a well-rounded taste of the north. Long evenings with outdoor cafés and ferry rides across calm waters are a far cry from sweltering city breaks further south.

Cycling and River Cruises: Active and Refreshing European Journeys

The Netherlands and Belgium, despite being further south, also make for pleasant cycling trips in summer. Pedalling along dikes, rivers, and small roads, you pass windmills, cafés, and hamlets, with Amsterdam, Ghent, and Bruges as cultural highlights. With flat landscapes and fresh breezes off the water, it’s an active holiday that never overheats.

Finally, Europe’s great rivers offer their own form of cool summer travel - air-conditioned cruise ships. On the Rhine, Danube, or through Provence on the Rhône, river cruises let you glide past castles, monasteries, and vineyards, often with cycling or walking excursions to keep the air moving. Even in warmer parts of France or Austria, the motion of the river, shaded decks, and evening breezes create a surprisingly comfortable atmosphere.

Why Cool Travel in Europe Makes for the Best Summer Holidays

Travelling through Europe in summer doesn’t have to mean battling the heat. By heading north, climbing into the mountains, or choosing islands and rivers where breezes work in your favour, you can enjoy the continent at its best. Whether you’re hiking in the Alps, watching puffins in the Faroes, or cycling through the Netherlands, these journeys prove that summer travel can be both invigorating and refreshing.

So next year, when everyone else is sweltering in the piazzas and plazas of Europe’s hottest cities, why not follow the cool air instead? Your body will thank you—and the landscapes, cultures, and stories you discover along the way might just make this your most memorable summer yet.

A word of advice: these destinations are becoming increasingly popular, so book early.

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